Dr. Patrice Harris to become first black female president of AMA

Patrice Harris, MD, a psychiatrist from Atlanta, was voted president-elect of the American Medical Association — becoming the first black woman to win the office. She will officially assume her role in June 2019.

Dr. Harris' victory was met with a standing ovation in recognition of both the historical significance as well as the years of service she has dedicated to the AMA.

Dr. Harris was elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in 2011 and has since held several leadership positions within the association, including AMA board secretary and AMA board chair. Currently chair of the AMA's opioid task force,she will continue to serve in this role.

"It will be my honor to represent the nation’s physicians at the forefront of discussions when policymaker and lawmakers search for practical solutions to the challenges in our nation's health system," said Dr. Harris. I am committed to preserving the central role of the physician-patient relationship in our healing art."